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• August 28, 2012 7:19 p.m.

  I have just found out I have lung cancer in my right lung. I don't know yet what kind but if anyone can tell me what to expect in the near future I would so appreciate it. I am terrified right now of what my future holds. Thanks for any help anyone can tell me.

  - Nancy

• August 25, 2012 3:10 a.m.

  I have read all the information that are provided here recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don’t know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often. Dr. Carl Balog

  - onicarobin

• March 14, 2012 6:17 p.m.

  For those experienceing discomfort while taking many pills to compensate your chemotherapy. I eventually decided to take a chance of getting busted and went through the process of getting medical marijuana. It helped with my nausia, I began eating more, and I slept better. Shocked at the cost though. Hadn't used it for 40+ years. Then an ounce was $10.00, in 2006 I bought an ounce in Seattle at an above board supplier for $330.00.Much stronger than I remembered. It helped a great deal and I made connections to grow my own. Washington States compasionate law is wonderful.

  - Randy

• March 14, 2012 6:07 p.m.

  I survived my 6 months of Chemotherapy. I had Hep C. I did and still do to a lower level experience chemo brain after 2 years of being off of the drugs. I nearly had to quit driving. My wife, until I told her I thought it was cruel, would give me a bad time because I would struggle to complete a sentence. I still have trouble finding the words.I no longer have a problem letting people know of my chemo experience when I have trouble communicating.

  - Randy

• March 8, 2012 9:43 a.m.

  I had Prostate cancer can any one tell me if they are having pain. It has been a year and half since the last Rad therapy.

  - Ken

• February 25, 2012 5:05 p.m.

  John Michael Talbot music on Youtube has helped me so much. Not much else. Pain meds make me sick and more tired. I love housework and it is difficult to do no.( AGe 64, 4th stg colon CA to the liver.) Problem lately is high B/P-it is driving me crazy. Avastin (chemo med) is causing this. They have doubled my B/P med not helping. I think I am going to stroke before I die of cancer.Opiates have too many side effects, Ibuprophen (4) cuts it for awhile. Good luck to all. Input about getting B/P down?? Thanks

  - laura

• January 19, 2012 5:58 p.m.

  Helpful tip: I have avoided continuing chemo fog and fatigue during my post active cancer treatment phase of survivorship. While taking the aromatase inhibitor drug Arimidex explore taking it at the same time every night. I promise you'll wake up more alert and energized! Another plus is that you won't be reminded of your cancer as you greet each new day. Question? Doesn't it seem counter-intuitive that women who run the gamut of varying body weights ranging from skinny to obese receive a standard 1 mg dose of Arimidex. During prep for Chemo administration the pre-infusion body weighing in measurement was a key factor in tailoring the Chemo dosing amount and duration timing. In light of that glaring contrast no wonder it feels like "one size fits none".

  - janis

• August 17, 2011 2:46 p.m.

  I have had 5 surgeries on my left arm for removal of Stage I Melanoma & Squamous Cell Carcinoma. That was 5 years ago, but the deep, bruising pain remains. Is this normal? Anything I can do?

  - Nikki

• July 10, 2011 11:34 a.m.

  Can I make a will out so if I get cancer with bad pain that will allow the doctor to give me any amount of pain medication, even if it would kill me? I would raither be dead than live a few months in terriable pain.

  - Wayne

• July 7, 2011 9:50 a.m.

  Being diagnosed with breast cancer in11/10 opened my eyes to a new world.I also have uncontrolled epilepsy. The chemo causes me to have more seizures than before. I read the blogs and don't really know what I want to say, but I can say I'm scared to death. My dr told me he hasn't treated a patient with epilepsy for 20 yrs. I was already halfway through my treatment when he said this. Everything was fine up till then but, I am scared about what is going to happen whenn I'm done. My neurologist has told me there is nothing more he can do for me. He hasn't seen me since my breast cancer diagnosis. I feel like I am nothing more than a check. I guess what I'm lookiing for is someone in my position. I tear myself up because of the termoil my husband and daughter go through. Its not fair to them, or me.

  - Nancy

• July 3, 2011 1:59 p.m.

  I think it nearly 5 years since my lung cancer returned after surgery in less than a year (did not chemo). I moved to another institution, great people, and am on my 4th round of chemo. This last one (a little more than 3 years now) has kept the cancer stable. But being stable for nearly 3 years starts to make me a little more demanding for a better quality of life (lessside effects from surgery, chemo, and meds. I would like a little more quality of life but as my GP says "I am on the right side of the grass". That may be something to think of when complaining about side effects. Not that it will totally stop my complaining but maybe I will think of what my GP says, at least somtimes. Regards

  - Donald

• June 21, 2011 1:10 a.m.

  hello cynthia...said june by mistake...not finish my spiel..... strangers in supernmarkets etc in new zealand approach me ask why chair etc....some also state they had problems too >>by sharing it means they supported or boosted me from the feeling I was the only one & others dont understand when not ''been there done that'' sort of ""walk in my shoes"" before criticise me....life goes on & on....go to falling- rippling water features..an energy source also,find a massage person>>reiki or feldenkrais trained for soft tissue touch,lymph draining expertise,pain relief for body misalignment ...keep a diary or notes in a notebook when the moment is there to record feelings or interaction....light a candle outside, for toxic smoke, & ask your guardian angels for help...they will respond but you have to ask them first.....my garden fairies show as "orbs" on my camera photos to prove they do reside on my property.....having a variety of global friends with various religions giving healing prayers works to healing too....(my specialist say works best than if all of one religion only...true...).... I was a teacher years ago so do try to research & understand my state & stage as very little finance now to have relief....at 63 years young....lost legs,hair,teeth,fiancee(didnt want to continue when I ill..)so what . my email is Dorothy.D@xtra.co.nz if anyone wishes to contact as a friend....I spend hours on pc as houseb

  - Dorothy

• June 21, 2011 12:50 a.m.

  hello Frances & June.....2004 I was stage 4,now 2011 I am clear.....perhaps being paralysed from the waist down from the tumor damage they hadnt found was a blessing>>concentration to try get back walking may have had brain ignore my tumor.....the only fear is fear itself>>once get to end point it suddenly becomes calm. Pain>>>sit at home & suffer pain.... but enjoy oneself & we only feel half the pain (or less)...your choice!In new Zealand we do not legalise cannibis for medical intervention pain relief like Canada does to help sufferers.I understand acupuncture can help some...I dont like needles...had daily for a year while hospitalized & scar tissue now but still wont try acupuncture.I occupy myself with projects & outings summer to view gardens etc as a wheelchair limits one for socializing..access,transport,keen physical helpers lift chair ability.I took up hobby photography as a new interest.Some of my friends are blind over years so I consider being in a 'chair' small price...I can watchtv,pc,read books,see peoples faces like grandkids so I have better "option".....''face the sunshine so you dont see the shadows''...HELEN KELLER quote & picture on passage wall radiation hospital.NZ Burwood spinal unit quote...dont let what you cant do stop you doing what you can do...or such wording...I only got 2 days last year in unit assessing ..... sort myself with helpful strangers advise at supermarkets etc...folks who s

  - Dorothy

• June 14, 2011 9:27 a.m.

  I have Multiple Myeloma, dianosed Sept. 2010. Have gone through Chemo then Stem Cell trans. Can anyone tell me what I have to look forward to except pain. Is pain all I have? What are my chances in this fight with cancer. I feel my time is short, but not sure.

  - Frances

• June 14, 2011 9:07 a.m.

  Wondering if anyone that has Mulitiple Myeloma has had Acupuncture with any success? I am dealing with a great deal of pain and all the doctors can do is give me more drugs. There has to be some other ways. My cancer has come back 5 months after stem cell trans. Pain is incredible, I will listen.

  - Frances

• June 13, 2011 7:43 p.m.

  To Dorothy & Cynthia ..... I encountered Breast Cancer in 1997. After having surgery, radiation, chemo, and 5 yrs. of Tamoxafin, I thought the road would be mostly bump-free! In 2005 I was diagnosed with inoperable stage 4 metastasis in 4 compressed vertebra. After consulting a pain specialist, I found a regimen that works fairly well for me. Now, there is involvement in 5 vertebra, both hips, and 9 other bones. For nausea I found ginger candy helps before I reach for a "drug". Pain relief comes from a Fentanyl "100" patch, several vitamins and a few pain meds. When I encounter break-thru pain I use a med. called Actiq. It is a pop that you smooth over the inside of your mouth. Using the cheeks and gums works best for me. Within 10 minutes the edge has gone from the pain. I've been on several different chemo concoctions since 2005. I've had only a 4 month vacation from chemo. For bones I also receive a shot called Xgeva every month. Under the circumstances I feel happy with my life. I enjoy family and friends and an "upbeat" attitude works as well as any high priced drug. I use assistance walking when necessary, but I'm here! Sometimes the word paralysis creaps into my mind, but only for an instant, and not often. If I can help in any way, please contact me. Good Luck & Life!

  - Sharon

• June 11, 2011 7:16 a.m.

  To Dorothy - (I have metastatic breast cancer to the spine/pelvic since 2009.) I am going to try some of your suggestions. After the radiation to the spine & pelvis last year my biggest fear is paralysis. Pain now controlled by narcotics but I also fear the consequences of such long term use of such. Have you used narcotics in the past and if so, did you suffer withdrawal afterwards? I can walk and sit and lay down but all with pain. I am 63 this year - how old are you if you don't mind my asking? Take care of yourself and thank you for your wise post.

  - Cynthia

• June 10, 2011 4:09 p.m.

  spinal tumor non hodgkins lymphoma survivor 6 yrs now...paraplegic T12 dead....from radiation ...can walk with walker support a few steps & momentary weightbear at bench,sink,washing machine etc I block out the pain..no medication by choice as prolonged use causes need for transplants.....but crises take me over edge...I use crystallised ginger(buy grocery shops) I dissolve a portion of a inch cube in my saliva in my mouth & it goes straight to the inflammation centre.A Hot water bottle at my lumbar area when seated helps immensely too.Emu balm with arnica helps rubbed into back of neck too...lots of fluid & less salt & sugar(cut back not delete all use of salt & sugar)..wheeling manually in my wheelchair is my aerobics....an hours music nature sounds..sea etc is relaxing ,,,banana eaten at night helps sleep....& happy faces & attitudes are a big support...

  - Dorothy NZ

• June 10, 2011 10:13 a.m.

  I have liver cancer. This is the second appearance of cancer in me in almost twenty years. I am on chemo, the pain is so bad everywhere in my body that one of my doctors actually put me through an exam to rule out bone cancer, thankfully I did not have it, I believe in eating well, whole foods, yoga, meditation, and medical cannibis for my pain, lack of appetite, lack of sleep, and anxiety. This is not my first rodeo, so I deeply believe my doctors have done the best for me that they can without intrusive treatments.

  - Anita

• June 10, 2011 2:00 a.m.

  My brother was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma after a burst spine, tumour in the spine. He had 6months of chemo, radiation and now going for a MRI. He is always in pain and on Tramaset 2 x 3times a day which does not really help. Heard about planting a device in him to help with the pain ?? Is the pain ever going to go away because to see that pain in his eyes.........what can we do ?

  - Hanlie

• June 9, 2011 9:36 p.m.

  I can't believe that after all these years that PAIN is still an issue for those of us with life-threatening diseases!!! I spent over $45 for prescription & non-prescription creams to take the pain away from my radiation of my butt & lower crotch area. NOTHING WORKED!! I keep seeing articles "talking" about pain relief -- but I never see an article giving names of items that actually attack the pain!!!!

  - ARLENE

• June 9, 2011 9:25 p.m.

  Betsy and Judy make excellent points. It's hard for those of us who by personality or occupation are used to putting others first to put ourselves first. I'm realizing that post treatment, I have to remind myself that I need to keep putting myself first. I was fortunate not to have too much pain during treatment. I started a yoga class for those in treatment and survivors about the mid-point of my chemo and found it helped me immensely. It's the one hour a week I count on focusing solely on myself.

  - Vicki

• June 9, 2011 11:08 a.m.

  A no cost Cancer "CAM" clinic is now available in Calgary Alberta using Hypnosis. I would love to see others spring up all over this continent.

  - Anthony

• June 9, 2011 11:04 a.m.

  As a cancer survivor, I can agree totally with Betsy's comments. Lying in a hospital bed not knowing if you will see tomorrow changes one's attitudes on life."what I have gathered is you actually look at life as "Do I really need to deal with people that bring me down?...and if your answer is NO...then leave that baggage at the door and move on down the road without it...life is what you make it, all you have to do is take control." I have tried for the past two years to develop this change in attitude. I would also add "surround yourself with happy people and keep away from negative people". Keeping a positive attitude and staying active helps alleviate the physical pain for me.

  - Judy

• June 9, 2011 10:48 a.m.

  I found that if I suggested alternative therapies, my doctor was more than happy to help me. By being proactive in my care, I was able to balance use of narcotics with alternate therapies.

  - Abby